The search function in digital asset management (DAM) platforms can make DAM users efficient in locating, sharing, and reusing those valuable digital assets. It is a well-known fact that metadata powers search and the DAM itself can provide a wealth of data to help bolster search optimization. This article by Anna Securda, Systems Manager, Digital Asset Management, at VICE Media, looks at three easy ways to employ DAM data to empower users to search.
The first method is to review search logs to understand user behavior. Depending on the findings, DAM practitioners should focus on building synonyms, tag assets that need enrichment, and meet users’ needs by providing filters that are more granular. In addition, DAM practitioners can run downloaded reports. These reports will offer an insight into the priorities of the users. Based on the insight, DAM practitioners can create easily accessible links or saved searches to those popular assets. This is one way to use a DAM to ensure that the search experience is effective and productive.
The second method is to ensure there are no dead-ends by reviewing your taxonomy and references to each term and empty folders. For instance, if the taxonomy was built before the DAM and if the taxonomy is maintained outside it, many assets in the DAM would not represent some terms. In addition, it should be ensured that DAM editors do not create unpopulated folders. Unpopulated folders are dead ends to users and can frustrate them when browsing. Clean up those empty or unused folders, and ensure that outdated taxonomy terms are continually weeded out.
Another way of ensuring DAM data empowers users to search is by bringing "dark" assets to the light. “Dark” untagged assets or even under-tagged or mis-tagged assets need to be identified because some systems allow assets to be uploaded with minimal metadata. Therefore, DAM practitioners should run metadata reports on folders of assets to determine which assets demand additional attention. In addition, by pairing this tactic with the first method—reviewing the DAM’s download reports, practitioners will be able to determine the more popular assets or asset types. Hence, by prioritizing work on dark assets based on popular assets or asset types, will help users get more out of the DAM’s search function.
In conclusion, the goal of all DAM practitioners is to connect end users with valuable organizational assets. Hence, it makes sense to harness data to empower users to search, and enhancer their experience with the DAM.
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